‘Let down by the system’ – death of autistic boy sparks outrage

April 23rd, 2012

The tragic suicide of 18-year-old Gareth Oates could have been prevented had mental health, social services and education agencies responded to pleas for help, says Mel Carr of the National Autistic Society.

“Gareth was let down by a system that failed to recognise his needs. This must not happen again and all agencies must do more to help young people with autism,” she said.

Gareth Oates was hit by a train near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, just one month after his 18th birthday on 2 March 2010.

In a three-day inquest, coroner Paul Marks heard how Gareth endured routine bullying at school and was known by some students as ‘suicide boy’ after a previous attempt to kill himself.